Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads for Backpacking

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This is a gear review about the Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads for Backpacking 2023.

Sleeping Mats are better in 2023 than ever before with many top brands stepping up their game. The quality of the ultralight sleeping pads in this review is a huge leap forward from only a couple of years ago.

I personally reviewed and tested many sleeping pads over many years and have narrowed down the list to the best or the best for this year.

What are the best sleeping pads of 2023?

Keep reading to find out.

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Best Ultralight Sleeping Mats for Backpacking 2023

The Best Ultralight Sleeping Mats for Backpacking 2023 are:

• Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT – Best Sleeping Pad Overall
• Nemo Tensor Insulated – 14oz/410g – Best Lightweight Sleeping Pad
• Thermarest Uberlite – 8.8oz/250g – Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad
• Sea to Summit Ether lite – 12oz/350g – Best Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers
• Sea to Summit Ether lite Insulated – 15oz/425g – Best Insulated Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers
• Thermarest X-Therm NXT – 15.5oz/439g – Best Winter Sleeping Mat
• Thermarest Z Lite Sol – 14oz/410g  – Best Budget Sleeping Pad
• Thermarest Neo Air Xlite – 12oz/340g
• Sea to Summit Ultra Light -14oz/395g 
• Big Agnes AXL Air – 9.9oz/272g
• Big Agnes AXL Insulated – 10.6oz/301g
• Nemo Tensor – 12oz/345g
• Nemo Tensor Alpine – 16.75oz/475g
• Sea to Summit Ultra Light Insulated – 17oz/480g

The newly updated Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT is new to the market and sure to be as popular as the previous model.

When I used and tested the new Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT I noticed that it is quiet. Gone is the crinkle sound every time you roll over at night. Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT it is so much quieter than its predecessor and worthy of the top spot as the best sleeping pad for 2023.

Therm-a-Rest increased the insulation rating a little from an R-Value of 4.2 to 4.5. This is not really significant, but it is enough for many people to use this pad for winter camping instead of the much better-insulated X-Therm NXT. This makes this sleeping mat much more versatile.

The mat is 3 inches / 7.6 cm thick which is also a slight increase but the extra half inch is not really that noticeable. Having said that, this sleeping mat is very comfortable. Certainly suitable for even the fussiest of side sleepers.

It comes in 4 sizes, namely short, regular, regular wide, and large. I think the regular will be the most popular size and it is the one that I would recommend.

Overall, the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT is the best sleeping pad for backpacking 2023.

Nemo has a large selection of lightweight sleeping pads for camping. The Nemo Tensor Insulated is arguably one of their best backpacking sleeping pads. I have spent more than 500 nights using and testing this backpacking sleeping pad in the last few years.

The Nemo Tensor Insulated is one of the most comfortable air pads of all the mattresses in this review because of its thickness and the fact that it is quiet. Making it perfect for the side sleeper.  

The only other lightweight sleeping pad in this review that is equal to the Nemo Tensor for comfort is the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated.

At 14oz / 410g the Nemo Tensor Insulated is a lightweight insulated sleeping pad but the best thing about this mattress is how quiet it is when rolling over.

A complete contrast to most of the other mattresses in this review.

This is the most comfortable of the mattresses in this review. It is also slightly thicker than the other mattresses which makes it a great choice for a side sleeper like myself. I sleep with all the pressure on the hips and shoulders.

I recently used this mattress on my thru-hike of the Te Araroa Trail and loved it, however, I did get a couple of small holes near the internal baffles.

There are a couple of different versions of the Nemo Tensor. In my opinion, the Insulated mummy is the best.

The Regular Tensor Mummy weighs, 12oz / 345g, which is a bit lighter than the insulated but not as suited to cold temperatures below 35F / 2C.

For extreme cold temperatures down to -20F / -29C there is the Nemo Tensor Alpine. At only 475 grams this is the best option for cold climates, like climbing Kilimanjaro or Trekking in the Andes and Himalayas.

Overall, the Nemo Tensor Insulated is one of the best backpacking sleeping pads for 2023.

The Therm-a-rest NeoAir Uberlite is one of the best ultralight sleeping pads on the market.

It weighs a ridiculous 8.8oz / 250grams and packs up smaller than a 1 liter Nalgene Bottle.

It also comes in a short version which is 6oz / 170grams which is big enough to cover people from head to hips. A carefully placed empty backpack can insulate the feet in warm temperatures. It is enough to keep any gram-counting ultra-light hiker happy. But there is a catch.

To make the Therm-a-rest NeoAir Uberlite mattress so light it does not have as much thermal material inside. This mat has an R Rating of 2.3 or 37F/3C, making this a borderline 3-season backpacking mattress.

When I tested and used the Uberlite I loved the lightweight and how small it packed. This is my go-to summer sleeping pad during the warmer summer months. During testing, I noted that the weight saving is worth it. But I would not use this mattress on a notoriously cold trail such as the Continental Divide Trail.

Overall, the Therm-a-rest NeoAir Uberlite is the best ultralight sleeping pad on the market right now! But is it strong enough in the long term? Read the full in-depth review below.

The Sea to Summit Ether light XT is their newest lightweight sleeping pad. It is Sea to Summit’s flagship model right now.

At a generous 4 inches/10cm thick this is the thickest mattress in this review.

This is the best ultralight sleeping pad for side sleepers. The thickness and air-sprung cells make it super comfortable for even the fussiest of side sleepers.

It is also made of materials that make it very quiet when turning over during the night. No more clinking sounds as you toss and turn during the night.

It is ultra-lightweight at 12oz/350g but should only be used in warmer weather. The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated version is slightly heavier at 15oz/425g but for slide sleepers, it is a better option.

Such a thick mattress comes at the cost of needing many breaths to inflate it but Sea to Summit has solved this problem by adapting the Stuff Sack so it can be used to inflate the mattress. 

The Sea to Summit Etherlite Insulted is the best-insulated sleeping pad for side sleepers. If you are a side sleeper like me and dislike when thin mattresses crush your hip and shoulder into the ground then this is for you.

Like the non-insulated summer version of the Etherlite, this sleeping mat is quiet when you roll over in the middle of the night. Add to that the super comfortable feel and good insulation and you have a great pad for not only summer hiking trips but backpacking trips in the cooler months.

It has a good system for inflating the pad which uses the stuff sack to inflate the mat. My only wish is that this mat was a little lighter.

Overall, if you are a slide sleeper and want a sleeping pad for cooler temperatures then this is for you. It is also one of the most comfortable mats in this review.

All the same great quality as all the other Therm a Rest pads but with more insulation to help with those cold sleepers who need all the help they can get to stay warm.

At 15.5oz / 439g the Therm A Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT was recently upgraded is one of the best backpacking sleeping pads for cold temperatures.

The Therm A Rest NeoAir X-Therm is very lightweight, super comfortable, and reasonably priced.

This is a great option for anyone wanting to spend time outdoors during the colder parts of the year.

With an R-Value of 7.3 and more than 2 ounces / 57 grams lighter than the previous model it makes for the best winter sleeping pad. It would be perfect for high-altitude hikes or bicycle tours in the Andes or Himalayas or for the cold sleeper who wants a bit more insulation.

I used the Therm a Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT lightweight inflatable pad while thru-hiking the coldest sections of the Sierra Section of the Pacific Crest Trail and had no reason to feel any cold transfer from the mattress below me.

Overall, the Therm A Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is the Best Winter Sleeping Pad for 2023.

At around $35, the Therm a Rest Z-Lite Sol is one of the best closed-cell foam pads for the budget-conscious person.

The lightweight Z-Lite Sol closed-cell foam pad weighs only 14oz / 410g and is the best foam sleeping pad on the market.

It provides enough comfort for most tired people. But if you are a side sleeper, this sleeping pad will not be the most comfortable.

This closed cell foam pad is also a favorite with the speedy hikers who love to throw down the mattress and sleep anywhere, anytime, ‘Hikertrash‘ style!

Unlike the other sleeping pads for backpacking in this review, the Therm a rest Z Lite will not get a puncture and deflate at the worst moment.

A great option for cactus-filled deserts.

The foam sleeping pad also provides great insulation making it a great sleeping pad for backpacking in snow.

This is one of the best closed cell foam sleeping pads on the market at the moment with a great budget price and overall it is still a nice light sleeping pad.

The Therm a Rest NeoAir XLite was one of the most popular lightweight sleeping pad on the market but since it has been upgraded you might be able to get one of these at a very good clearance price.

At 12oz / 340g for the regular length version and an R-Value of 4.2, it is not only lightweight but super comfortable, reasonably priced, and comes with a great lifetime warranty.

It also comes in a short version that only reaches the hips instead of all the way to the feet.

Ultra-light ounce counters love the short option of the Therm a Rest NeoAir XLite.

The only downside I have about this mattress is the insulation layer inside the mattress. It makes an annoyingly loud crinkling sound every time someone rolls over on this mattress. After a week or two of using it, the noise is not so loud.

Very light sleepers might not like this very much, although it has never bothered me, it can be a deal breaker for some.

I used the Therm a Rest NeoAir XLite mattress for several sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and loved it. I still have the mattress today. Check below as there are not many left, if you can get one, it will be at a very good price.

The Sea to Summit Ultralight sleeping pads is another great value mattress for spending time in the backcountry.

At 14oz / 395g the Sea to Summit Ultralight is lightweight with enough insulation for summer hiking in warm temperatures.

When it gets cold the Sea to Summit Ultra Light Insulated is a better option.

The Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated weighs 17oz/480g and is rated for temperatures 22F/-5C.

The air pad comes with a stuff sack that can be used to inflate the mattress. Great for preventing stinky breath from contaminating the inside of the pads.

Big Agnes is another big name that entered the mattress-making business.

The Big Agnes AXL Air is ultra-lightweight at 9.6oz / 272g. The sleeping pad R-Value 2.6 makes it a good 3-season sleeping pad that is best used in summer with temperatures above freezing.

It also is a nice thick mattress which makes it a great mattress for side sleepers.

It is a great ultralight option that is well suited for anyone thinking of summer hiking or ultra lightweight thru-hiking. A great alternative to the Uberlite from Thermarest.

For slightly colder temperatures the Big Agnes AXL Insulated is a better option. Weighing 10.6oz / 301g the Big Agnes Insulated is lightweight and packs up small. Just be warned that just because it says it is insulated doesn’t mean that it has enough insulation to keep you warm. This is still a summer-only mattress.

Note that this mattress is becoming very difficult to find in many stores at the moment.

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Other Mats to Consider

• Nemo Switchback: The Nemo Switchback is a lightweight foam mat that is also very good and reasonably priced.
• Klymit Static V2: The Klymit Static V2 is a reasonably priced mat.
• Therm-a-rest Prolite Plus: The Therm-a-rest Prolite Plus is a self-inflating mat. I used this mat for years and years, in fact, I started hiking the Pacific Crest Trail carrying this mat before opting for something lighter and more comfortable.
• Nemo Quasar 3D insulated: The Nemo Quasar 3D is relatively new to the market.
• REI Co-Op Flash: The REI Co-Op Flash 3 season pad is a god value option

Sleeping Pad Buyers Guide

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Inflatable Mattress Vs Foam Pad

Inflatable Sleeping Pads

The Inflatable air pad has come a long way from the crude rubber mattresses with built-in pillows. Also, gone are the days of self-inflating mattresses. I once used to own a Therm-A-Rest Prolite self-inflating mattress but those days are long gone. Things have improved a lot with the inflatable sleeping pad since then.

Ultralight, high-tech materials, and lifetime warranties make them the best option for sleeping away from home.

But the high cost and possibility of getting a hole can frustrate people at times.

Foam Sleeping Pads

Foam Sleeping pads have long been the favorite due to their budget price, great thermal qualities, and ease of use. Just roll out the foam pad and fall asleep.

But for anyone who is a side sleeper or needs a comfortable bed this option is painful and not conducive to a good night’s sleep.

Overall, the inflatable mattress and foam pads have good and bad points. But now is the era of the inflatable mattress. Advances in technology will only see things get better.

Will the best backpacking sleeping pads ever be puncture resistant!

Self Inflating Pads

The self-inflating pads were very popular many years ago but their popularity has decreased in recent years. Just open the valve, let the air in, give a few breaths to reach your desired pressure, and the mat is inflated. They are simple but heavy. The larger versions make a good car camping option or something to have at home when unexpected guests arrive. They also tend to have a good r-value rating for insulation.

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Side Sleeper vs Back Sleeper

I am a side sleeper. Just the thought of sleeping on a closed cell foam mattress brings pain to all parts of my body. Therefore, it is important to know how you sleep when choosing a mattress.

Side sleepers want a thick mattress. The Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT, Nemo Tensor, Sea to Summit Ether Light XT, Sea to Summit Ether Light Insulated, and Big Agnes AXL Air are certainly better options than the others due to their slightly thicker cores.

The thicker core on the air pads is more comfortable but it takes more breath to blow up. Many have stuff sacks that double as pump sacks to inflate the inflatable pads.

Back sleepers are usually able to withstand a thinner mattress a lot better. Therefore, any mattress in this review would work out well for them in the comfort stakes.

All the backpacking air pads except the Z Lite foam pad would be good for side sleepers. Those with a sore back would not like the Therm a Rest z Lite Sol.

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R-Value and Warmth

The Sleeping Pad R-Value, when used in the context of measuring Sleeping Mats, refers to the ability of the mattress to stop the transfer of heat or cold through the pad. In simple terms, it refers to warmth.

In cold weather, a high R-Value sleeping pad will serve to reduce the cold temperatures from snow or frozen ground transferring to the person sleeping on the pad.

This is important when camping in winter or the colder times of the year.

Below is an R-Value temperature chart. The R-Value Sleeping Pad prevents temperature transfer from the cold to the warmth of the body and sleeping bag. into Temperature.

The video below by Exped explains what the R-Value is and how it refers to sleeping mats in a detailed yet informative way.

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Weight

A lightweight sleeping mat should weigh less than 15 oz / 430 grams with the ultralight mats being significantly less. The thickness, width, shape, and amount of insulation all add to the overall weight. The thinner the fabric the lighter the mat but the less durable it will be. Every couple of years there is some form of new innovation from the manufacturers resulting in a lighter weight.

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Sleeping Pad Packed Size

All these lightweight air mats are compact enough to be rolled up to the size of a 1 liter Nalgene bottle, with the exception of the Z Lite foam pad.

I rarely use a stuff sack. I just roll it up and stuff it in my backpack. When hiking and bicycle touring I roll the mattress up and pack it inside my sleeping bag but only when it is dry.

Many of the companies include a stuff sack that also has a valve to use as a way of inflating the mattress.

A good idea to prevent stinky, humid breath from entering the mattress, but is the extra weight worth it!

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Durability

Most of the mats in this review are quite robust but they will develop holes when camping in areas with thorns or other spikey plants capable of puncturing the mat. There is nothing worse than waking in the middle of the night with a flat mattress.

Some of the mats are not as durable as others. The Therm-a-rest Neo air Uberlite is a prime example of a mat taking it to the limit of thin material. This comes at the cost of durability. As many hikers and campers have found out, it is important to be a little fussier when choosing your campsite at night. Those with a closed-cell foam mat can sleep wherever they want with little fear of the durability of their mat.

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Care Instructions

How to Look After a Lightweight Sleeping Pad

• Prevent dirt and body oils from coming in contact with the mattress by using sleep clothing such as long merino pants and a long merino top. Some people use a sleeping bag liner too.
• Do not allow Deet mosquito repellent, fuel from stoves, or embers from a campfire to get anywhere near a mattress. Wash them off immediately.
• If campfire embers contact your mattress, you might have an uncomfortable night’s sleep with the backpacking air mats deflating!
• A wet sleeping mattress can be packed up while wet for the short term. It is not always possible to keep the mattress dry. Be sure and air it out (with the valve open) as soon as possible.
• Ensure the campsite is free of thorns or sharp objects that might puncture the air mattress.

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How to clean and store a Sleeping Mat

• It is also a good idea to wash the mattress with a sponge and warm soapy water.
• Make sure the air valve is closed when washing.
• Unroll and unpack the mattress and let it air out for at least a day or two.
• Hang or store the mattress in a cool dry place, inside a wardrobe with clothing, or under a bed works well for me.

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How to repair a mattress in the field

• Finding the hole can be a problem. Rivers and lakes make the best places to blow up the mattress and try to find the hole.
• Clean the area around the hole. A small alcohol wipe found in first aid kits are good for cleaning the area. When it is clean and dry, use a small sticky contact patch such as a Tenacious Tape Patch.
• A small drop of liquid seam sealer can be used to repair very small leaks but not larger holes. Make sure it is a silicon-based seam sealer such as this Silicon Seam Sealer.

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Inflatable Mattress Warranty

Inflatable mattresses have a bad reputation of not only getting holes but delaminating from the inside. The internal baffles which are important for the integrity of the mattress often fail, causing a large bubble to appear.

I have had this happen to several of the well-known brands and each time the warranty of the companies has been rock solid.

These companies stand behind their products. Failure to do so would destroy the confidence in buying such a lightweight piece of gear. Hence the rise of the air mattress and the decline of the foam mattress.

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Price and Value

All the best air mats in this review are top quality and will last a very long time. Hundreds or even thousands of nights can be expected if you care for your mat. Therefore, they represent good value for money even when the initial outlay may seem a bit high. Around the $200 mark and lower is the price you will pay for the best.

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Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad – Overall

Overall the Best Sleeping Pad for Backpacking in 2023 is the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT which just beat the previous best, the Nemo Tensor Insulated.

The Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT is the best combination of comfort, insulation, quietness, price, and lightweight.

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Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad – Overall

The best ultralight sleeping pad will only be best as a 3 season sleeping pad. The sleeping pads for backpacking in the summer months are the Uberlite from Thermarest.

The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT is thicker and better for side sleepers but the Therm a rest Uberlite is lighter weight.

These mats are ultra-light but more fragile than the others, so choose the campsite well. In temperatures below freezing, these are not the best choice.

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Best Sleeping Pad for Winter Backpacking

For cold temperatures, the best lightweight sleeping pads are the Thermarest X-Therm NXT or the Nemo Tensor Alpine but the updated Neoair Xlite NXT could be good enough for most people.

Both are suitable for winter camping or high-altitude trekking. The Nemo Tensor Alpine is more comfortable and quiet, and the Therm a rest X-Therm NXT is lighter.

Are you heading to the Himalayan or Andes mountains for some high-altitude trekking? or want a mat to use in winter? These would be the ones to consider.

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Best Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers?

The Best Sleeping Pad for side sleepers is the Big Agnes AXL Air or the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT. The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT is a massive 4 inches thick, has a small packed size, and a pump sack to inflate it.

Overall, the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT is the best air pad for side sleepers.

All are super comfortable thick mattresses that will ensure a better night’s sleep for side sleepers than some of the thinner sleeping pads in this review.

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Best Budget Sleeping Pad

The best budget sleeping pad is the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol. It is also cheap and the best mattress for anyone traveling in the cactus and thorn-infested deserts of the world.

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Conclusion

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads for 2023 are:

• Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT – Best Sleeping Pad Overall
• Nemo Tensor Insulated – 14oz/410g – Best Lightweight Sleeping Pad
• Thermarest Uberlite – 8.8oz/250g – Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad
• Sea to Summit Ether lite – 12oz/350g – Best Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers
• Sea to Summit Ether lite Insulated – 15oz/425g – Best Insulated Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers
• Thermarest X-Therm NXT – 15.5oz/439g – Best Winter Sleeping Mat
• Thermarest Z Lite Sol – 14oz/410g  – Best Budget Sleeping Pad
• Thermarest Neo Air Xlite – 12oz/340g
• Sea to Summit Ultra Light -14oz/395g 
• Big Agnes AXL Air – 9.9oz/272g
• Big Agnes AXL Insulated – 10.6oz/301g
• Nemo Tensor – 12oz/345g
• Nemo Tensor Alpine – 16.75oz/475g
• Sea to Summit Ultra Light Insulated – 17oz/480g

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